Colon cleansing or colon cleanser generally done to overcome various health problems related to digestion. However, this procedure cannot be done haphazardly. There are a few things you need to consider before going on with it.
Colon cleansing is usually used as part of a medical procedure, such as a colonoscopy. However, there are also some alternative medicine practices that offer this action for detoxification purposes.
Colon cleansing is actually not necessary because the digestive system has its own mechanism to remove bacteria and food waste from the body.
Therefore, you should consider carefully before deciding to perform colon cleansing.
Various Methods Colon Cleanse
There are several methods commonly used in colon cleansing, namely:
Supplementation
One of the most common colon cleansing methods is taking certain supplements. The type of supplement used can be in the form of laxatives, herbal teas, and enzymes that have a laxative effect.
You should not carelessly take these drugs before consulting a doctor.
Colon irrigation
Another colon cleansing method is colon irrigation. This method is the same as an enema, which is done by passing fluid into the large intestine through the anus.
The difference is that irrigation of the colon uses the help of modern machines and involves more water, while enemas use ordinary tools that can be purchased at pharmacies and use coffee liquid. Colon irrigation is generally performed by a nurse or doctor in a hospital or clinic.
While undergoing colon irrigation, you will be asked to lie on your side. Next, a low-pressure pump will drain the water through a small tube that is inserted into the anus. Water that has reached the large intestine, will be left for a while.
While waiting, the doctor or nurse will massage your abdomen, then expel the water as you defecate.
Colon Cleansing Side Effects
Until now, there is still much debate about the benefits of colon cleansing. In addition, a study states that colon cleansing can have harmful effects on health, both mild to serious.
Minor effects that may occur after colon cleansing are nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and dizziness due to dehydration. Meanwhile, side effects to watch out for include:
- Impaired drug absorption, if you are on medication while taking the procedure
- Infection
- Leaks or holes in the colon and rectum
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Impaired kidney function
- Heart failure
Colon cleansing is not recommended for people who have certain medical conditions, such as people with chronic inflammation of the colon or ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, and colon cancer.
In addition, colon cleansing procedures are also not recommended for people who have recently had bowel surgery. For patients with kidney or heart disease, approval and supervision by a doctor are required before performing colon cleansing.
To maintain a healthy digestive tract, it is recommended that you eat high-fiber foods and meet your body's fluid needs by drinking water every day.
If you decide to undergo colon cleansing, first consult with your doctor to find out if this is the right action to deal with the complaints you are experiencing.
